Arkansas Couple Accused of Pawning Off Sick Baby at Campground for Beer and Cash

A sick baby, reeking of "bad ammonia", was allegedly handed over for beer and nearly sold for $1,000 by an Arkansas couple at a campground, police say.

Darien Urban, 21, and Shalene Ehlers, 20, were at the Hide Away Campground in Rogers, Arkansas, when Ehlers approached an "exceedingly intoxicated" man for beer.

Cody Nathaniel Martin offered "several cans of beer" in exchange for keeping the baby overnight, according to West Palm Beach News.

Ehlers agreed and gave Martin her baby and his diaper bag.

The parents later ran into Martin at another camper and offered to sell him their baby. They agreed and drew up a "contract" that read, "I Darien Urban and Shalene Ehlers are signing our rights over to [redacted] of our baby boy [redacted] for $1,000 on 09/21/2024." Martin also added a disclaimer: "After signing this there will no changing y'all two's minds and to never contact again."

The campground's owner alerted police to the transaction and told them the baby appeared neglected. According to KWCH, witnesses said the newborn had "bad ammonia and fecal odor" and a "heavy rash, blisters and swelling on the baby's buttocks and genitals." Police rushed the baby to a hospital upon arrival.

Martin told authorities he took the baby because he was concerned for his welfare, and the group did not exchange money before police arrived.

Urban and Ehlers were arrested and given a $50,000 bail. They are both accused of endangering the welfare of a minor and attempting to accept consideration for relinquishment of a minor, according to Benton County court records.